slump

1 of 2

verb

ˈsləmp How to pronounce slump (audio)
slumped; slumping; slumps
Synonyms of slumpnext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to fall or sink suddenly
b
: to drop or slide down suddenly : collapse
2
: to assume a drooping posture or carriage : slouch
3
: to go into a slump
sales slumped

slump

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: a marked or sustained decline especially in economic activity or prices
b
: a period of poor or losing play by a team or individual
2
: a downward slide of a mass of rock or land

Synonyms of slump

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Noun

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Examples of slump in a Sentence

Verb She fainted and slumped to the floor. Exhausted, he slumped down into the chair. His shoulders slumped forward in disappointment. Real estate prices slumped during the recession. Noun The economy's been in a slump since last year. They've been in a slump ever since they traded their best player. He's in a batting slump.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Imagine 007 unmanned by a comparable tedium—slumped in a greasy London flat, counting his nicotine patches and waiting for M to call. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 The stock slumped more than 9% this week, after reporting negative free cash flow for the first time ever going back to its public debut. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
Despite slumps everywhere on the Blue Jackets’ lineup, Fantilli and Johnson have made highlight plays in recent outings. — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 The high cost of home loans has been a drag on the housing market, which has been in a slump for the last four years. — Scott Horsley, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slump

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably imitative

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of slump was circa 1677

Rhymes for slump

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Browse Nearby Words

slummy
slump
slump bedding
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slump. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

slump

1 of 2 verb
ˈsləmp How to pronounce slump (audio)
1
: to drop or slide down suddenly : collapse
2
: to assume a stooped posture : slouch
3
: to fall off sharply

slump

2 of 2 noun
: a marked or continued reduction especially in economic activity or prices

More from Merriam-Webster on slump

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about slump

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